Petri "Pope" Puolitaival

1ST ALTO SAX, FLUTE, PICCOLO

Petri ’Pope’ Puolitaival counts among Finland's most sought-after jazz saxophonists. He leads his own group, Pope Puolitaival United, and plays in some of the most defining Finnish jazz outfits of the 2010s, including Dalindéo, Nina Mya's band, Jo Stance's band, Jukka Eskola Orquestra Bossa, Espoo Big Band, Koko Jazz Orchestra and RTBB.

 

In addition to jazz, he has backed such Finnish pop artists as Elastinen, Juha Tapio, Riku Niemi Orchestra, Dallapé, Sami Pitkämön Orkesteri, Sunrise Avenue, Leningrad Cowboys and Vantaan Viihdeorkesteri.

 

Pope has performed with many notable international jazz stars including Peter Erskine, Wayne Krantz, Mark Levine, Adam Nussaum, Jimmy Smith and Patti Austin. In addition to his career as a professional musician, he has worked as a producer and a pedagogue since 2000, teaching at the Sibelius Academy, Espoo Music Institute and Vantaa Music Institute.

 

Photo: Anna Fioretti